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40-Hour B.A. or B.S. in Psychology

This degree option, often chosen by students who plan to pursue graduate study or careers in psychology, offers rigorous training, providing a solid background in the major areas of the discipline. It does not require the student to have any minor or second major.

In addition to the required courses listed below, students are encouraged to take advantage of laboratory research opportunities or field experiences relevant to their areas of interest.

Foundations

B.A. students in psychology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A.

B.S. students in psychology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.S.

This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing students to global cultures and traditions.

Psychology Courses

Core Courses:

12 credits

PSY 102

Introductory Professional Development in Psychology

1.5 credits

PSY 110

General Psychology

3 credits

PSY 201

Statistical Methods

3 credits

PSY 202

Research Methods in Psychology

3 credits

PSY 302

Advanced Professional Development in Psychology

1.5 credits

PSY 493

Senior Seminar

0 credits

Experimental Psychology with Laboratory

7-8 credits

Two courses with laboratory from the following options:

PSY 245/246

Physiological Psychology
Laboratory in Physiological Psychology

3 credits
1 credit

PSY 250/251

Principles and Applications of Learning
Laboratory in Principles and Applications of Learning

3 credits
1 credit

PSY 345/346

Sensation and Perception
Laboratory in Sensation and Perception

3 credits
1 credit

PSY 350/351

Human Cognition
Laboratory in Human Cognition

3 credits
1 credit

PSY 355/356

Environmental Psychology
Laboratory in Environmental Psychology

3 credits
1 credit

PSY 370

Laboratory in Experimental Design & Analysis

3 credits

PSY 475/476

Human Neuropsychology
Laboratory in Human Neuropsychology

3 credits
1 credit

Personality/Social Psychology

3 credits

One course from the following options:

PSY 125

Social Psychology

3 credits

PSY 315

Life Span Development

3 credits

PSY 330

Child and Adolescent Development

3 credits

PSY 332

Psychology of Adulthood and Aging

3 credits

PSY 335

Psychology of Personality

3 credits

Clinical/Applied Psychology

3 credits

One course from the following options:

PSY 235

Abnormal Psychology

3 credits

PSY 260

Psychotherapy and Counseling

3 credits

PSY 270

Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology

3 credits

PSY 445

Community and Health Psychology

3 credits

PSY 465

Psychology and Law

3 credits

PSY 470

Testing and Measurement

3 credits

Capstone Experience (recommended)

1-3 credits

One course from the following options:

PSY 360

History and Systems of Psychology

3 credits

PSY 485

Psychology Practicum: Field Experience

1-3 credits

PSY 495

Independent Research in Psychology

1-3 credits

PSY 496

Independent Study in Psychology

1-3 credits

PSY 499

Psychology Colloquium

1 credit

Electives

14-15 credits

Total

At least 40 credits

Additional Required Courses (required for B.S., not required for B.A.)

8 credits

BIO 151 (or higher)

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

4 credits

MATH 122 (or higher)

Applied Calculus

4 credits

Early-Entry M.A. Program

Well-qualified students may apply for early entry into the Valparaiso University M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and complete up to twelve credits of graduate coursework toward the degree during their senior year. More about the Bachelors/Masters early-entry option »

Pre-Medical Arts Program

A major in psychology is an appropriate preparation for admission into professional schools and programs in medicine, dentistry, hospital administration, medical technology, optometry, osteopathy, physical therapy, podiatry, public health, veterinary medicine, and other allied health fields. More about Pre-Medical Arts Programs »

Learning through Experience

Psychology students have a rich variety of opportunities for hands-on learning, through laboratory research, internships and co-op placements, outreach work in the local community, and mentoring fellow students. More about Experiential Learning »